FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn More About The Bail Process

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BAIL PROCESS

How long does it take to get out on bail?
The paperwork takes approximately 15-30 minutes. The release time after the jail receives our paperwork is generally one hour or less for local police stations and 2-10 hours for larger county jails. Generally speaking, the larger the holding facility, the longer it takes.

Why don’t I get my Premium back?
Typically the 15-10% premium is fully earned once the bail bond is posted with a jail or court. That is how bail agents and their surety companies make their money and pay their bills.

For this service, the defendant is charged a premium (typically 15% of the bail amount in North Carolina). For example, if the bail amount in $10,000.00, the premium charged is $1,500.00. Prior to the posting of the surety bond, the defendant, friend or relative must contact a licensed bail agent. You can contact us at 704-807-6129. Once a bail agent is contacted, an interview or appointment will be immediately scheduled.

When do I get my Collateral back?
When the bond has been ordered exonerated by the court. This happens when:

The charges are dropped.

The person enters into a negotiated plea and is sentenced.

The person is granted deferred entry of judgment.

The person is found innocent at trial.

The person is sentenced at trial.

Some court jurisdiction sends written confirmation of the bond exoneration quickly, others are very behind and may require some research.

What happens if the person does not appear in court as promised?
The bond will be ordered forfeited by the court and a bench warrant is issued for the person’s arrest. The warrant will be entered in State and National locator systems so that the fugitive may be apprehended. The Bail Agency will receive notice of the missed court appearance. The Bail Agency normally calls the person’s home, work, and other references to try to find the fugitive and arrange a new court date. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the Agency may then search and employ apprehension specialists to arrest the fugitive. As the co-signer you want to convince the fugitive to return to court as soon as possible. If the defendant reappears in court without delay you will only be liable for a small failure to appear fee and possibly court costs. Typically, the longer the defendant delays making a new court date, the higher the fees will be. If ultimately the defendant has absconded and can not be located within the time allowed by the court, the entire amount of the bond must be paid.

Getting off bond liability:

The defendant is responsible for the premiums. The Indemnitor(s) is/are responsible for the bond if there is a forfeiture. It is best to contact the agent when the bond is exonerated by the court, for the fast return of any collateral pledged and to confirm that the bond is exonerated. In the event of forfeiture, the Indemnitor is liable until the full amount of the bail has been paid, or until the court exonerates the bond. The bond then becomes void.

Information for the Bail Bonds Co-Signer!
What you should know when signing for a Bail Bond Indemnitor (CO-SIGNER):
It is the responsibility of the defendant to see that the premium is paid.
Premiums can be refundable under certain circumstances. Premium doesn’t have to be returned if the defendant violates one or more of the conditions set out in NCGS 58-71-20(1-7).